Roksteddie Posted November 4, 2016 Share Posted November 4, 2016 Just putting the finishing touches to our run and have decided we definitely want wood chip on the floor of the run. Locally, I can only find B & Q as a supplier of wood chips in reasonable quantities. Just can't find anything conclusive on whether or not they're safe. The packaging from the photo on the website refers to them as 'softwood chips natural' but doesn't give any info beyond that. I read somewhere that someone was concerned it might contain bark, which I know is bad for them. Anyone use these particular wood chips from B & Q? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted November 4, 2016 Share Posted November 4, 2016 Are you able to pop along to a B&Q to see some? Local tree surgeons, councils and also sellers of aggregate often sell woodchips... worth a try. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Princess Leia Posted November 4, 2016 Share Posted November 4, 2016 Definitely try local tree surgeons, ask for HARDWOOD chippings. Much cleaner and lasts a lot longer, doesn't tend to go mouldy like softwood can. We pay about £35 for a large builders bag delivered, that's probably about 3/4 cubic metre. And never underestimate how much you'll need. General rule is work out what you think you'll need, double it, and you'll have finish up with about half as much as you want... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted November 4, 2016 Share Posted November 4, 2016 My local chicken supplier sells woodchips; they have an enormous truckload delivered form a tree surgeon, which they then bag up to sell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roksteddie Posted November 4, 2016 Author Share Posted November 4, 2016 Thanks for the input. The problem is that all the tree surgeons around here seem to only sell wood chip in vast quantities and at great expense. And as the chickens are arriving this Sunday I need a relatively quick solution. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted November 4, 2016 Share Posted November 4, 2016 Roughly where are you located? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roksteddie Posted November 4, 2016 Author Share Posted November 4, 2016 Croydon, South London. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted November 4, 2016 Share Posted November 4, 2016 OK, not my area, so I can't help personally. Try changing the title of your first post on this thread so that it's a request with your area in it e.g. 'Supplier for woodchips in Croydon needed'. Someone here may be able to help, or willing to split a large delivery with you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyRoo Posted November 4, 2016 Share Posted November 4, 2016 They're absolutely fine - that's what we use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjp Posted November 4, 2016 Share Posted November 4, 2016 most chipping from tree surgeons around here are either all conifer or contain a lot of ivy neither of which I'd use for chicken as they go very musty and mouldy as they heat up and rot down great for my compost bin through I use horse bedding wood chip about £4.20 for a 20 or 25 kg bale Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted November 4, 2016 Share Posted November 4, 2016 And use Aubiose Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted November 4, 2016 Share Posted November 4, 2016 I use straw and easi bed. Both compost really well. I once used bark woochip. It was smelly and horrible in no time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roksteddie Posted November 4, 2016 Author Share Posted November 4, 2016 I've decided to go with the softwood chips from B & Q. I haven't been able to put in the run yet as bad weather has prevented me from doing so. However, I'm hoping it will do the job. Only time will tell I guess. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emmalou Posted November 7, 2016 Share Posted November 7, 2016 Our sawmill always has plenty of spare woodchip. Make sure it isn't sawdust as that is too dusty for their respiratory tract. The sawmills often give it away, if not for a small charge, Will save you a fortune in the long run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyRoo Posted November 7, 2016 Share Posted November 7, 2016 Just as an FYI, IMO: one 100L bag will cover 2 square metres pretty well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roksteddie Posted November 7, 2016 Author Share Posted November 7, 2016 Thanks Andyroo. Ended up using 2 bags for our 3 metre run and found that it gives great coverage at a really generous depth. The chickens have plenty to scratch around in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyRoo Posted November 7, 2016 Share Posted November 7, 2016 Thanks Andyroo. Ended up using 2 bags for our 3 metre run and found that it gives great coverage at a really generous depth. The chickens have plenty to scratch around in. I decided I actually went a little overboard with mine. I said to the OH that it didn't look deep enough as they scratched around enough that they exposed the surface on which the set-up stands, so I added a bunch more and realised that they're doing that regardless of the depth - so chucking the extra on was really just a waste of effort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
